Motive can get off mark

MOTIVE, a useful performer on the level for Michael Stoute, is fancied to get off the mark over timber with victory in the Weatherbys Bank Novices’ Hurdle at Musselburgh today.

Bought by the high-power combination of trainer Howard Johnson and owner Graham Wylie at the Newmarket Horses In Training Sale last October, Motive made his debut over hurdles when lining up at the Scottish track last month.

However, things did not go to plan that day, and despite making what looked like a winning move up the home straight, the four-year-old crashed out at the final flight.